Audi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI 170 S line 5dr Review

For The smooth 170 version of this engine performs well - much better than the 120 version. S line makes it sleeker still, with a unique look, larger alloys and sports suspension.

Against S line trim adds considerably to the price tag, so make sure you really need all the extra styling and equipment. If you regularly carry heavy loads, you may want a stronger engine.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This version of this engine brings useful extra power and performance over the 120, but make sure you really want all the S line extras before you pay for them.

What Car? readers say

4.166667

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.3 secs
Top speed: 138 mph
Average mpg: 46.3
Tank range: 662 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Audi A4 Avant range

The full Audi A4 review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Even the smaller engines have decent power
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Although it doesn't live up to Audi's billing as a
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Wind noise lets the side down
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Competitive on price and running costs
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Fine, but disappointing for an Audi
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Plenty to keep you and your kit safe
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Fussy dash, offset pedals, but a fine view
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
One of the most practical in its class
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Reasonably equipped, but no better

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

As on the saloon, you shouldn’t expect to get much more than a few hundred pounds discount on an Audi A4 Avant. However, the good news is that means that residual values are among the strongest in the class, especially on the smaller-engined diesel models.

Audi is rightly renowned for its diesels, and these are certainly the best engines in the range. However, do your sums carefully before buying one, as you’ll need to do a high annual mileage to recoup their higher (than the equivalent petrol models’) list prices through the lower fuel bills.

Similarly, we don’t think it’s worth paying for the most expensive V6 petrol or 3.0-litre TDI models, as they have the least impressive fuel economy and the lowest residuals.

However, given that this Avant model may have to carry heavy loads or, perhaps, tow, those engines’ all-wheel drive makes more sense here than on other A4s.

Reader test team says:

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI S/S quattro SE 5dr

I have owned the car from new and have had a number of Audi Quattro’s before, on the whole I am very pleased with the car, its been very reliable (in…

Mark Bon

4 out of 5 stars